In this engaging chat, fitness influencer Greg Doucette shares his journey from a global coach to tackling the fitness industry's messy truths. He reveals the reality behind steroid use and encourages authenticity in bodybuilding. Greg sheds light on the rise of performance enhancers among youth and debunks myths surrounding natural physiques. He also discusses the pressure influencers face to maintain credibility while navigating personal health challenges, all wrapped in his candid and no-nonsense approach to the world of fitness.
Greg Doucette challenges the authenticity of fitness influencers through his 'Natty or Not' series, emphasizing the prevalence of steroid use in bodybuilding.
He highlights the detrimental effects of extreme diets and rapid physique changes, advocating for a more sustainable approach to fitness.
Doucette discusses the societal pressures and unrealistic expectations created by fitness culture and social media, promoting body positivity and authenticity.
His personal journey underscores the importance of resilience and self-improvement in the face of industry controversies and challenges.
Deep dives
The Controversial Figure in Fitness
Greg Doucette is recognized as one of the most controversial influencers in the fitness world, known for his no-nonsense approach and his series 'Natty or Not'. He emphasizes the complexity of proving one's natural status in bodybuilding, suggesting that low testosterone levels can sometimes indicate steroid use rather than natural status. Doucette notes that the increased interest in biohacking has led to more experimentation with metrics to improve fitness, but warns that rapid physique changes due to steroids can often lead to quick losses when users stop. His philosophy urges individuals to stretch out their fitness gains over time, embracing a more sustainable approach to bodybuilding.
Transformation of Career Path
Douceette transitioned from a school teacher to a pro bodybuilder and fitness coach, initially sharing videos that showcased his impressive strength in the gym. His pivot to YouTube coincided with a desire to reach a wider audience after he could no longer expand his coaching business locally. By creating informative content about dieting and exercise, he gained global clientele, significantly increasing his coaching rates and expanding his influence. He eventually ventured into selling cookbooks and supplements, which has become a substantial source of income.
The Power of Social Media
Douceette discusses the pivotal moment when he began creating content about popular fitness figures, leading to viral success and substantial growth in his subscriber base. His videos discussing the authenticity of other influencers, starting with celebrities like The Rock and Mark Wahlberg, drew considerable attention, resulting in millions of views. Doucette's candid analysis of others in the industry, despite drawing backlash, has solidified his reputation as a trusted (if polarizing) voice in fitness. This willingness to engage in debates over authenticity emphasizes the societal obsession with fitness and image.
Candid Discussion on Steroid Use
In his conversations, Doucette highlights the complexities and challenges of discussing steroid use within the fitness community. He reflects on how even established athletes can struggle with accusations and the stigma surrounding steroid use, despite the competitive nature of bodybuilding. Doucette even engages with individuals who have sought validation of their natural status, emphasizing that even blood work can vary. This ongoing discussion around performance-enhancing substances in fitness illuminates a larger issue surrounding pressure to conform to ideals.
Body Positivity and Self-Image
Doucette raises the importance of body positivity and the struggles individuals face when comparing themselves to seemingly unattainable physiques portrayed online. He believes that many people prefer to think top athletes are unnatural to justify their own health and fitness journeys. By offering a reality check about the process of bodybuilding, Doucette encourages individuals to focus on their unique path and improvements rather than comparing themselves to filtered images. Emphasizing the message of authenticity, Doucette promotes the idea of being true to oneself, regardless of societal pressures.
The Journey of Fitness
Doucette's personal journey through fitness and bodybuilding illustrates his love for the sport and the sacrifices that come with it. He reveals that for years, he was dedicated to improving himself without resorting to performance enhancers until he reached a certain point in his career. His numerous commitments to bodybuilding fostered both physical and mental resilience, allowing him to appreciate the journey rather than focusing solely on outcome-based results. Doucette elaborates on how this journey has shaped his understanding of health and motivation.
The Impact of External Factors
Doucette acknowledges external factors such as societal pressures, rapid lifestyle changes, and the digital nature of today's fitness culture. He believes that the immense access to fitness influencers can sometimes lead to unrealistic expectations that affect mental health. Furthermore, he touches on the effect that social media algorithms have on visibility, as he describes experiencing shadow bans and censorship for certain content. These external factors have a significant impact on influencers and may alter the way people perceive fitness and health.
Future Aspirations and Current Focus
While Doucette remains dedicated to his current projects, he expresses a sense of being rooted in the moment rather than planning far ahead. His organic approach to content creation keeps him engaged and focused on responding to trends as they arise instead of fixating on future milestones. He emphasizes that experiences and opportunities should be embraced as they come, creating a more fulfilling outlook on both life and career. Looking ahead, Doucette aims to continue growing his influence while promoting a healthier approach to fitness and well-being.
Joining me today is Greg Doucette, a well-known influential figure in the fitness world, best known for his "Natty or Not" series. From his rise as a global fitness coach to navigating the often turbulent waters of industry drama, Greg offers an unfiltered look into the realities of the fitness scene. In this episode, he dissects what truly defines a natural physique, exposes the hard truths behind steroid use and extreme dieting, and emphasises the importance of being authentic and true to y...
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